8 Ways to Save Water in Your Yard

No matter where you live, water is precious. "No place is immune to drought, so it's smart to prepare for the unknown by making your landscape resilient to dry conditions," says Diana Alfuth, landscape design instructor and horticulture educator with the Pierce County University of Wisconsin Extension in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. "Even if you're not dealing with drought now, the rain can turn off at any time."

Help your garden use less water—and save money—with these simple tips:

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1Say 'yes' to mulch.

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Apply a 2- to 3-inch deep layer of organic mulch such as shredded bulk, pine straw, or chopped leaves to planting beds. "People sometimes think of mulch as extra expense and labor," says Stacey Hirvela, horticulturalist with Spring Meadow Nursery in Grand Haven, Michigan. "But mulch is the number one thing you can do to preserve soil moisture, prevent evaporation, and improve the environment for root growth." Mulch also keeps down weeds, which compete for moisture with your flowers and other plants. In addition, mulch decomposes and improves the soil, allowing it to absorb more water.

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2Choose plants that don't mind dry conditions.

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"Some plants offer visual cues that they're able to withstand drought better than others," says Hirvela. Look for plants such as Lamb's ear that have hairy leaves, which work to minimize evaporation. Or add succulents, which have fat, juicy leaves that are adept at storing water. Don't forget that any new plant you put into the ground—even if it's drought-tolerant—needs to be watered regularly until it has established itself during the first year or two.

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3Research native plants.

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Natives are adapted to the local soil conditions and rain levels where they typically grow. Do an Internet search for what's native in your part of the country, visit botanical gardens and arboretums, check out native plant societies that offer plant lists or workshops, and talk to your countyextension agent about your options, says Alfuth. Or check here for more local resources.

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4Make the most of what Mother Nature gives you.

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Collect water by connecting a rain barrel to the downspout of your house or shed, says Alfuth. Rain barrels have a hole in top for the water to flow in and an on/off spigot at the bottom where you place your watering can for filling. You can buy one or make one; check local environmental or water agencies for classes or instruction sheets. Make sure the intake hole is covered with a fine mesh screen to keep out debris and breeding mosquitoes, and elevate the barrel on blocks so you can fill your watering can with ease, because the system is gravity-fed.

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5Water in the morning.

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"Water evaporates less quickly when it's cool," says Hirvela. "Watering early in the day also gives the plant the water it needs to withstand the heat of the day ahead." Extra tip: Use a sprayer head with an on/off switch so you don't waste water as you move in between containers or pots. In addition, watering in the morning gives the plants' leaves a chance to dry, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in wet or humid conditions.

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6Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation.

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Soaker hoses have tiny holes along the entire length so water can ooze out at a slow rate. "Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are more efficient than watering from overhead because the water is delivered directly to the root system," says Hirvela. "You don't waste water with a long spray that evaporates before it hits the ground."

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7Be kind to your lawn.

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Ask your local co-op extension service what kind of grass you have, then cut it accordingly. Maintain grass at its tallest recommended height, not sheared off at ground level. Longer grass blades help shade each other, reducing evaporation. "And shorter grass allows weed seeds to move in," says Alfuth. Also, repair leaks in your sprinkler system, such as heads that have water puddling around them, and adjust sprayers shooting onto the street, driveway or sidewalks. Concrete and asphalt don't need to be watered!

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8Reconsider your lawn size.

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Turfgrass has its place, but if you're constantly struggling to grow it—say, under trees or in a part of your yard where it's difficult to mow such as on a steep hillside, consider replacing it. "Sometimes you have to ask yourself why you're fighting it," says Hirvela. "A drought-tolerant ground cover may be a better choice, or you may use and enjoy that part of your yard more if you install something such as a firepit or a bocce court."

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